For the umpteenth time, also this year at the beginning of the season, malindikenya.net is forced to a warning that we would like to no longer have to do, but unfortunately we have already received some unpleasant reports on the matter.
It's the fashion of ignorant tourists (and also a bit 'imbeciles, often backed by local beach boys) to take a "selfie" with in hand the starfish found on the shallows of the Indian Ocean, during the low tide.
Please, avoid it!
The asteroid (commonly called starfish) when it comes out of the water incorporates a quantity of oxygen much greater than its needs, so much so that it can not get rid of it and is likely to die suffocated, if it is not put in the water after a few seconds.
Keeping her out to take pictures, and maybe handing her over for a while, is tantamount to killing her.
After a few minutes the starfish shrinks slowly and there is nothing more to do.
For such a particular species, ancient and wonderful, already very sensitive to climate change and pollution, the ignorance combined with the carelessness of tourists is the "blow of grace".
You can safely photograph it in its natural habitat, on the surface of the water, and if you really want to join us your face, less rare species of tourist amazed, you can do so lying down and stands nearby, without taking it from the ocean.
Let's be aware that "vacation" does not mean destruction of the sea, already undermined by tanning creams, plastic, forgotten flip-flops and trash thrown from ships on the high seas.
And also that we are in Africa, where often the local population has no knowledge of these things, and is not in the habit of respecting the environment in all its aspects.
Please, as well as reading and understanding, see to it that you pass the message!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator